High Stakes at Kaliganj: By-election Drama Unfolds

A 30.64% voter turnout was recorded by 11 AM during the Kaliganj by-election in West Bengal's Nadia district. The election was called after the death of MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed. Tensions arose when Congress claimed its polling agent was removed, which the ruling party denied.

Voter turnout in the Kaliganj assembly by-election in West Bengal's Nadia district reached 30.64% by 11 AM on Thursday, election officials reported. Polling started at 7 AM amidst stringent security measures.

To maintain order and fairness during the vote, fourteen companies of central forces were deployed around the constituency. Voting is scheduled to continue until 5 PM.

The election became contentious when Congress accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of forcibly removing their polling agent. The TMC dismissed these allegations. This by-election follows the passing of TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed in February. TMC's candidate is Ahamed's daughter, Alifa Ahamed, while Ashis Ghosh is standing for the BJP, and Kabil Uddin Shaikh, supported by CPI(M), represents Congress.

(With inputs from agencies.)